Ronald D. Martin
Registered User
I saw a comment in another thread that caused me to think about this article.
This is an article that was first published in the Montana Freemason magazine, March 2012 (copyrighted by the Grand Lodge MT and author). Does this raise any thoughts relative to why facts count?
From Whence Came You? What Came You Here To Do?
The Unknown Mason
These are two questions that every regular Mason has heard. These are two of the first questions that every Entered Apprentice is asked, these are two questions that are often asked of us when we are challenged by a stranger - whom we later find to be a brother, and these are two questions, no matter how phrased, that have been with us since the earliest days of man. These are the two questions that we inherently ponder in our moments of personal solitude: Where did I come from? What am I here to do? These two questions are inseparable. One deals with origin and the other purpose, and once we have conceptualized our answers to these two questions we have made a pact with our logic and reason, and subsequently we set sail for our destiny.
It is important for us to understand this relationship of origin + purpose = destiny. Our thoughts drive us, and as builders we construct what are known as schemas. Schemas are mental structures that help us organize our knowledge and assumptions, and then we process new information through those structures. A faulty schema cannot be remodeled, it has to be torn down. We have to demolish the old structure and build new, just like a stick or stone building that was constructed with a faulty foundation –an internal remodel or exterior façade change does not correct the faulty foundation upon which the flawed structure rests. Therefore, in the beginning, if the foundation of our logic and reasoning are faulty we will subsequently construct a faulty worldview upon which our flawed thoughts rest.
Masonry addresses this issue, in many ways. We are told that man, "endowed by his Creator with reason and intellect, it is his duty, and should be his pleasure, to direct the vigor and energy of his manhood to the cultivation of his reasoning faculties and the improvement of his intellectual powers." As we can see, even by this one example, as Masons we are charged to think, to question our thoughts, to question our beliefs, to determine if our worldview is accurate, and ultimately to determine if we are building a sound super structure, setting sail for the right destination, and are living a life well spent. Because, we will build whether it is of quality and usefulness or not, we will set sail whether it be to a lofty destination or just running adrift, and we will spend a life whether well spent or not.
The mind, just like our working tools, is meant to be used. It must be challenged to stay sharp, just as our working tools must be used or they will get dull, rust, and decay. It is our intent, in these upcoming issues of the Montana Freemason magazine, to challenge your thoughts about Freemasonry, from whence you came, what you came here to do, and for you to reflect on the question - are you living a life well spent?
William Preston tells us Freemasonry “is a complete science, which comprehends the system of nature and morals, philosophy and physics, mathematics and mechanics; and forms an institution that is wisely calculated to promote the universal philanthropy, true friendship, and general happiness amongst men†He continues by stating, “the mind is improved and the brethren are united in social harmony; while the happiness, which originates in the Lodge, disperses its influence to the wide circle of the world.†Are Preston’s words reflective of your thoughts about Freemasonry?Are his words reflective of your thoughts about your lodge?Are his words reflective of your personal thoughts and what lives in your heart?
Until next time, we wish you much happiness!
Please email us your thoughts at TheUnknownMason@gmail.com
“Perfection is the aim of operative Masonry. Happiness is the aim of speculative Masonry" William Preston.
This is an article that was first published in the Montana Freemason magazine, March 2012 (copyrighted by the Grand Lodge MT and author). Does this raise any thoughts relative to why facts count?
From Whence Came You? What Came You Here To Do?
The Unknown Mason
These are two questions that every regular Mason has heard. These are two of the first questions that every Entered Apprentice is asked, these are two questions that are often asked of us when we are challenged by a stranger - whom we later find to be a brother, and these are two questions, no matter how phrased, that have been with us since the earliest days of man. These are the two questions that we inherently ponder in our moments of personal solitude: Where did I come from? What am I here to do? These two questions are inseparable. One deals with origin and the other purpose, and once we have conceptualized our answers to these two questions we have made a pact with our logic and reason, and subsequently we set sail for our destiny.
It is important for us to understand this relationship of origin + purpose = destiny. Our thoughts drive us, and as builders we construct what are known as schemas. Schemas are mental structures that help us organize our knowledge and assumptions, and then we process new information through those structures. A faulty schema cannot be remodeled, it has to be torn down. We have to demolish the old structure and build new, just like a stick or stone building that was constructed with a faulty foundation –an internal remodel or exterior façade change does not correct the faulty foundation upon which the flawed structure rests. Therefore, in the beginning, if the foundation of our logic and reasoning are faulty we will subsequently construct a faulty worldview upon which our flawed thoughts rest.
Masonry addresses this issue, in many ways. We are told that man, "endowed by his Creator with reason and intellect, it is his duty, and should be his pleasure, to direct the vigor and energy of his manhood to the cultivation of his reasoning faculties and the improvement of his intellectual powers." As we can see, even by this one example, as Masons we are charged to think, to question our thoughts, to question our beliefs, to determine if our worldview is accurate, and ultimately to determine if we are building a sound super structure, setting sail for the right destination, and are living a life well spent. Because, we will build whether it is of quality and usefulness or not, we will set sail whether it be to a lofty destination or just running adrift, and we will spend a life whether well spent or not.
The mind, just like our working tools, is meant to be used. It must be challenged to stay sharp, just as our working tools must be used or they will get dull, rust, and decay. It is our intent, in these upcoming issues of the Montana Freemason magazine, to challenge your thoughts about Freemasonry, from whence you came, what you came here to do, and for you to reflect on the question - are you living a life well spent?
William Preston tells us Freemasonry “is a complete science, which comprehends the system of nature and morals, philosophy and physics, mathematics and mechanics; and forms an institution that is wisely calculated to promote the universal philanthropy, true friendship, and general happiness amongst men†He continues by stating, “the mind is improved and the brethren are united in social harmony; while the happiness, which originates in the Lodge, disperses its influence to the wide circle of the world.†Are Preston’s words reflective of your thoughts about Freemasonry?Are his words reflective of your thoughts about your lodge?Are his words reflective of your personal thoughts and what lives in your heart?
Until next time, we wish you much happiness!
Please email us your thoughts at TheUnknownMason@gmail.com
“Perfection is the aim of operative Masonry. Happiness is the aim of speculative Masonry" William Preston.